Kucinich Drops Out

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403391.html

Kucinich Drops Out
Friday, January 25, 2008; A08
DEMOCRATIC FIELD DWINDLES

A day after issuing an "urgent personal appeal" for donations to fight a tough primary battle against four challengers, Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (Ohio) announced Thursday that he plans to end his quixotic bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Kucinich's campaign released a statement that he will begin "transitioning out of the Democratic Presidential primary race" Friday, when he will make a formal announcement.

"I want to continue to serve in Congress," the six-term congressman told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "There is a point at which you just realize that you, look, you accept it, that it isn't going to happen and you move on."

Kucinich's presidential quest has become a campaign issue in his Cleveland district, which his opponents say he is neglecting. He faces a stiff reelection challenge from Cleveland City Council member Joe Cimperman and North Olmstead Mayor Thomas O'Grady.

-- Garance Franke-Ruta